‘All systems go’ for Palaro 2024 | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government and the Department of Education are ready for the hosting of this year’s edition of the Palarong Pambansa, with Vice President Sara Duterte herself confirming her attendance during the opening ceremony and related activities.

The Palarong Pambansa 2024 will take on July 6 to 16, 2024, with the opening ceremony scheduled on July 9 and with the games scattered in 24 venues in the city.

Duterte, who was in Cebu yesterday to lead the awarding of more than 900 individuals, institutions, and partners during the Office of the Vice President’s Pasidungog 2024, confirmed that she would still join the Palaro.

Her resignation as education secretary will take effect on July 19 yet.

During the same event, DepEd-7 Director Salustiano Jimenez said it is “all systems go” for the upcoming event, which is expected to draw at least 15,000 delegates and athletes from all over the country.

“Yes, it’s all systems go,” says Jimenez in an interview, echoing what Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said during a press conference the other day.

This is the third time Cebu City hosted the Palaro, having done so in 1954 and in 1994.

Also, with the Palaro drawing closer each day, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is also heightening its surveillance activities to really ensure the safety of everyone, especially that of the visiting Palaro delegations.

SECURITY PREPARATIONS

With an expected attendance of 15,000 to 20,000 Palaro participants, CCPO is especially focusing on preventing potential crime threats like theft, robbery, and burglary.

“We have to give them unprecedented experience nga dili gud sila ma biktima niiining mga dautan ug sa kriminalidad diri sa atong syudad,” said CCPO Deputy Director for Operations Janette Rafter.

She said they are continuously enhancing police visibility, knowing that presence of policemen has a significant impact on crime prevention.

“Kana man gyung presensiya sa police dako na kaayo na og epekto. It will really prevent (crime), the mere presence lang sa atong kapulisan. Motindog lang gani na atong kapulisan diri, ang mga kriminal ana naa gyuy apprehension ba,” she said.

Rafter said their preparations are